Sunday, July 22, 2007

Podcasting Overview

Podcasting, according to wikipedia, is a digital media file that is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and personal computers. The term podcasting is a word combination that stems from combining ipod with broadcasting. There are so many different podcasts out there ranging from entertainment programs to music programs. There are even shows called “talkcasts” which allows listeners to listen and participate in live talk shows.Talkshoe.com is just one example of a live interactive podcat.http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/main.jsp?pushNav=1&cmd=home

Podcasting can serve many purposes in education. I am an elementary teacher so I will think of the podcast in terms of elementary education. Podcasts would be a great way for students to work together on collaborative projects. For example, students can work together to create a play for the class, which would then be viewed via a webcast. Students could post their podcast to their classroom blog for class members to view. This could open up a forum for students to then comment on and leave feedback for the creators of the podcast. Today children seem to be busier than ever running between after school activities. Podcasting would be a great way for stduents to save time and yet still participate in educational activities because students can sink content and take it wherever they go.